Hoon on the loose ..... Jacqueline heads to Alaska

[Jacqueline]

It's lasting already, isn't it ?

 

 

Yes, it seems never ending . But I should be back home next week .... after 5 months I guess it's about time. I'll be in the same boat as Killer.... looking for a job.... I just hope it doesn't take me as long to find one .

[deejones]

Great pics of Beartooth! It was good meeting you at the Un.

I'm sure lots will be going on in your mind the rest of the way home, like what am I doing here. Believe me I know. Well good luck to you and start planning your next adventure. Thanks for your time and effort on all the post. Great job

[azkaisr]

Love those pix.....

 

I'm putting someone(Phillyflash) on notice.....if this isn't a "Ride Tale That Lasts"......we gonna have problems in Torrey.

 

Whip

 

 

 

Hey Philly is one of my dearest friends Larry....so if he balks at this being in the ride tales that last section, I will only be able to hold him down while you "encourage" him to reconsider.

 

Kaisr

[Richard_D]

It's lasting already, isn't it ?

 

 

Yes, it seems never ending . But I should be back home next week .... after 5 months I guess it's about time. I'll be in the same boat as Killer.... looking for a job.... I just hope it doesn't take me as long to find one .

What about El Paseo?

[Bob Palin]

I'll be in the same boat as Killer.... looking for a job.... I just hope it doesn't take me as long to find one .

Hey, I got a great tip about jobs recently, you have to apply for them - who knew?

[BULLman]

Yes, it seems never ending . But I should be back home next week .... after 5 months I guess it's about time.

You're back in time, last weekend's ride was down-rigt nice! Lows were in the mid 70s [usually, the its already 80+ at 8am ]

 

You'll be coming into town, while I'll be leaving town

 

You've had a outstanding and memorable trip

[keithb]

I am soooo glad Whip taught you how to post pics. It is hard for me to believe it has been 5 months since you started your trip. Unbelievable. Thank you for some wonderful pictures and commentary. I am sure it had been the trip of a lifetime for you. Many of us (ME) have beer right there with you enjoying the ride. Congratulations for finishing this awesome trip and good luck to you on your next adventure.

[Francois_Dumas]

I'll be in the same boat as Killer.... looking for a job.... I just hope it doesn't take me as long to find one .

 

If we can help in any way then just let us know !! (If I'd have more customers, you could act as a guide for me .. ).

[Crazy_Canuck]

Many of us (ME) have beer right there with you enjoying the ride.

 

Do always have beer during the ride? LOL

[Lets_Play_Two]

It's lasting already, isn't it ?

 

 

Yes, it seems never ending . But I should be back home next week .... after 5 months I guess it's about time. I'll be in the same boat as Killer.... looking for a job.... I just hope it doesn't take me as long to find one .

 

And as soon as the slide show is done you can relive it over and over while you are working on the book. Movies rights in about a year!!!!

[Jacqueline]

Yellowstone National Park…….

 

 

home to Buffalo (Bison)…. By 1902 only 23 (animals not herds) were counted in Yellowstone, the only remaining wild herd left in the US; I find that scary and very sad. As a result of the near extinction of the Wild Buffalo, Congress enacted a law in 1894 that prohibited hunting in national parks.

 

 

I found this sign odd……. “Molesting of animals” .

 

It did not take long to see some of the many park residences……

 

 

They seemed to be everywhere……

 

If they weren’t somewhere, there was proof that they had been earlier…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As everyone knows Yellowstone is famous for its geysers and hot springs. The smell of sulphur is heavy in the air in areas of the Park.

 

 

that water is boiling

 

 

We played dodge ball with a storm ……. Which gave me some beautiful shots!!!!!

 

[Firefight911]

 

There is something about this one that tugs at me!!

 

Nice job.

[Jacqueline]

A few more pictures on the way out of the Park......

 

See the double rainbow? From the storm we were dodging…..

 

Hummmmmmmmm Equator!!!!!!!!!!

 

I found that one of the rainbows needed to be held up….. they’re not as heavy as they look.

 

If you look close this mountain side is covered with Pronghorns.

 

I completely enjoyed my visit to Yellowstone…,

but time is running short….. need to make it across country and to the UN Rally… .

[RT_Jim]

>>I found this sign odd……. “Molesting of animals” .

I think that sign was for Richard....

 

 

Jim

[BeniciaRT_GT]

>>I found this sign odd……. “Molesting of animals” .

I think that sign was for Richard....

 

 

Jim

 

I HEARD that!!!

 

You are now on the "list" Jim...

 

Beware the 'list" Jim...

[Francois_Dumas]

>>I found this sign odd……. “Molesting of animals” .

I think that sign was for Richard....

 

 

Jim

 

Heh! You noticed that too! I was thinking... 'I'm a small human being, riding on a motorcycle and not even in a safe car... how am I to molest a large bear or bison !!???'

[PRC]

Heh! You noticed that too! I was thinking... 'I'm a small human being, riding on a motorcycle and not even in a safe car... how am I to molest a large bear or bison !!???'

 

If there's a way to do it, Richard would know how to do it!

 

Sorry my friend, I just couldn't resist

[azkaisr]

Heh! You noticed that too! I was thinking... 'I'm a small human being, riding on a motorcycle and not even in a safe car... how am I to molest a large bear or bison !!???'

 

If there's a way to do it, Richard would know how to do it!

 

Sorry my friend, I just couldn't resist

 

No need for me to chime in here

[Crazy_Canuck]

>>I found this sign odd……. “Molesting of animals” .

I think that sign was for Richard....

 

 

Jim

 

I am surprised there were no references to Wurty?

[Heck]

>>I found this sign odd……. “Molesting of animals” .

I think that sign was for Richard....

 

 

Jim

 

I am surprised there were no references to Wurty?

Did not say "molesting of sheep"....He's safe on this one...

[Whip]

Heh! You noticed that too! I was thinking... 'I'm a small human being, riding on a motorcycle and not even in a safe car... how am I to molest a large bear or bison !!???'

 

If there's a way to do it, Richard would know how to do it!

 

Sorry my friend, I just couldn't resist

 

No need for me to chime in here

 

 

Me either....I'm tryin to get off that dam list.

[Twisties]

Speaking of the "Park Residents", seems you got off easy. You've reminded me of this incident. We took my dad and step mom up to Yellowstone last summer. Remember way back in your tale when people thought you were getting too close the animals, and you gave that little zoom demo? Well lets just say this was not the product of zoom! We were in the car, driving and this guy just kept meandering up onto the road. Didn't know whether to stop, or keep going, but we kept going (at a crawl). So did he. A very nerve wracking and dangerous few minutes. It worked out like this, and we are talking inches here:

 

[RT_Jim]

The List, eh?

 

I'm married - I'm on LOTS of lists!

And you haven't met my wife....

 

I'm not scared of your little 'ol list.

 

(just keep Killer on your side of the Mississippi)

 

Jim

[Bob Palin]

(just keep Killer on your side of the Mississippi)

 

Jim

And he gets on another list...

[tallman]

Yeah,

Well your list just made my list,

 

 

 

of lists.

 

 

Phil's list.

Whip's list.

Richard's list.

Wurty's list.

Jim's list.

Jim's wife's list.

Killer's list.

Marty's list.

David's list.

Marty's other list, because he keeps forgetting where he put his list.

Danny's list.

Matt's list.

Daniel's list. (sorry )

And so it grows...

[BeniciaRT_GT]

Daniel's list. (sorry )

And so it grows...

 

You know, I never did make onto his list...What a shame!

[Kraynak]

Jacqueline,

this is my favorite pic so far. I think this pic sums up your life and this trip right now.

...........She got the whole world in her hand.....she's got the world in her hand...............................

[Jacqueline]

Time to pick up the pace and get accross the country to attend the UN Rally.....

 

 

 

Had to take the time and stop at Wall Drug

 

 

There was no stopping Richard once he saw the Jackalope .

 

 

 

Awe...the mid-west, the heartland!!!!

 

I really enjoyed riding through this part of the country... especially this time of the year. It brought back fond memories of my childhood in Upstate NY.....

 

 

 

I couldn't spend much time in a couple of these States, but I could ride in them and mark them off "my list" .

 

 

 

It's not often that you find a play area at a Rest Stop on an Interstate . So we HAD to enjoy it for a few minutes .

 

 

 

 

By the time I got to Ohio, I thought I was going to suffer heat stroke. I couldn't stop the bike fast enough to lay down on a shaddy sidewalk . Richard had to go find some water to pour on me and in me as a few concerned individuals walked by.... It wasn't this HOT in Alaska ....(I miss Alaska, I miss the crisp fresh air.........and I'm not even back in Florida yet ...I hear it's hot there ).....

[Jacqueline]

I have to share these pictures.......

This fat guy was outside the back door of a motel where I stayed one evening..... (in the midwest). It was the perfect place for this guy to be, as the light attracted every bugs within a mile of the place. It was fascinating to watch him ate..... he was quite fat!!!!

 

 

 

If I were closer to home I would have taken him with me. I have never met a Toad that I didn't like ......

(I have several Toad Huts / Houses in my flower beds )

[roadscholar]

It was the perfect place for this guy to be, as the light attracted every bugs within a mile of the place. It was fascinating to watch him ate..... he was quite fat!!!!

 

Thanks Jacqueline, I now know what "frog" heaven looks

like.

 

I too like the holding up the rainbow photo, the perfect snapshot of your trip.

 

Glad you're heading home but sorry the adventure is unwinding, it's really been great.

[Bill_Walker]

I have never met a Toad that I didn't like ......

 

Oooh, I don't think Richard's gonna like that one....

[BeniciaRT_GT]

I have never met a Toad that I didn't like ......

 

Oooh, I don't think Richard's gonna like that one....

 

Bill, don't make me put you on the "list" with Jim!!!

[RT_Jim]

Wait - you mean I'm on my own list.... by myself?!

 

Wow.... didn't think I had that much status! I feel honored!

 

 

Besides, Bill beat me to it!

 

Jim

[PRC]

I missed you while you were here in Tally....hope you made it home OK...congrats on a wonderful adventure!

[BeniciaRT_GT]

Speaking of the "Park Residents", seems you got off easy. You've reminded me of this incident. We took my dad and step mom up to Yellowstone last summer. Remember way back in your tale when people thought you were getting too close the animals, and you gave that little zoom demo? Well lets just say this was not the product of zoom! We were in the car, driving and this guy just kept meandering up onto the road. Didn't know whether to stop, or keep going, but we kept going (at a crawl). So did he. A very nerve wracking and dangerous few minutes. It worked out like this, and we are talking inches here:

 

We had the same issue with a big one:

 

 

Every time the cars would try to inch by, he would wander back into the middle of the lane!

 

 

[azkaisr]

Why weren't you riding your moto in the Park Richard?

 

Kaisr

[BeniciaRT_GT]

Why weren't you riding your moto in the Park Richard?

 

Kaisr

 

I'm confused

 

I was riding...

 

Remember, you have to type slowly for me, I'm slow (both on and off the bike )

[bakerzdosen]

Here, let me try:

 

Hey Richard, why weren't you riding in the park?

 

 

I'm pretty sure that's how he would have liked to have phrased the question.

[Jacqueline]

Here, let me try:

 

Hey Richard, why weren't you riding in the park?

 

 

I'm pretty sure that's how he would have liked to have phrased the question.

 

 

I think they are calling you a Buffalo..... I'm sure they could call you something worst . But if they are not....here is Richard...thaking those pictures

 

[azkaisr]

Here, let me try:

 

Hey Richard, why weren't you riding in the park?

 

 

I'm pretty sure that's how he would have liked to have phrased the question.

 

 

I think they are calling you a Buffalo..... I'm sure they could call you something worst . But if they are not....here is Richard...thaking those pictures

 

 

ssshhhh

 

Nothing to see here...move along

[Jacqueline]

We finally arrived in Fayetteville, WV for the UN Rally!!!!!! What an awesome place. The first place I had to see was the New River Gorge ....

 

and “the Bridge”…… the worlds longest steel arch bridge…. A work of art!

 

 

 

 

 

The Gorge held beauty huge to small….

 

 

 

and some challenging roads (especially for the buses taking the rafters to and from the river)

 

A smaller bridge at the bottom of the Gorge….

 

 

This bridge was named for Tunney M. Hunsaker, to honor his accomplishments in law enforcement and boxing. The part-time pugilist who lost to Muhammad Ali in the boxing greatest first professional fight, Tunney M. Hunsaker also served for three-decades as Fayetteville; W. Va.'s police chief.

 

 

[Jacqueline]

That evening after Jamie “herded the cats” for a group picture…..

 

(Disclaimer; I borrowed this picture….. this is not my picture)

 

It was off to find the food…….

 

 

 

 

Lets_Play_Two and Penelope_Pitstop….the happy couple on their Honeymoon.

 

The next morning out looking for a place to have breakfast……realizing again I’m now in West Virginia, how can one not stop at Biscuit World?

 

I was pleased to find I could get eggs and pancakes also.

 

Then it was down the road for more views of the area…….

 

 

 

 

and roads that seem to disappear……

 

 

Dinner that night was wonderful…..

Great food, great company, beautiful views…….

 

 

 

 

 

And Killer eating cheese with EVERY course!

 

Signs of Fall were starting to appear……

 

 

That evening the BMWST.com GeoCache was handed off to me!!! I have wanted to get my hands on it!!! Just wish I had it at the start of my adventure….. But this may be cause for another.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After dinner it was back to the cabin for more story telling……

 

 

 

more drinking…..

 

 

flexing of muscle……

 

and just plain horse play……

 

What a great time!!!! What great people!!!!

[BeniciaRT_GT]

Ahhh yes, the kid's table we had to set up:

 

They even had to have thier own waitress and it was a buffet!!!

 

[TN_R_Girl]

Ahhh yes, the kid's table we had to set up:

 

They even had to have thier own waitress and it was a buffet!!!

 

 

Kid's Table???!!!???

 

I was told it was the table of honor!! (or is that just what our chaperone told us?? )

[BULLman]

Another great tale to an UN-believible story!!!

 

Can't wait for the DVD

 

 

 

What's NEXT

[ully211]

What an absolutely INSPIRING trip! I'm so envious ... know you'll make it home to Florida safely!

[Jacqueline]

The weather was beautiful, as was the area, so when the UN Rally came to an end…… I stayed for another day (as did Richard).

 

First it was back to Biscuit World…

 

 

Where Richard seem to have met his match…..

 

 

Lillian Faye….. What a sweetheart. I made her nervous when I brought my camera out….

 

 

Then it was down the road…

 

 

 

Again, the road seems to be disappearing… .

 

 

 

and it was for a GT .

 

 

A man came by on a four wheeler and invited Richard to follow along…..

but Richard knowing he was on a GT and not a GS decided to turn around…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

West Virginia…..Wild and Wonderful…….

 

 

This was my first UN Rally , and it couldn't have been better . It was also my first time (won't be my last) in West Virginia on a bike .

 

On to Virginia.......

[Jacqueline]

 

Virginia….. All that history, all those vineyards, great roads, beautiful landscapes.

I was off to Charlottesville to see my son and Liz (an absolute amazing and beautiful young woman)

 

 

 

and to congratulate them. In August they became engaged (which I am absolutely delighted over) and they are planning an August 2008 wedding.

 

I went along with the happy couple as they took another look at the Church on the University (The University of Virginia where Liz is a Grad Student) grounds.

 

 

 

 

 

After which we stopped at Ash Lawn-Highland the home of James Monroe.

A possible location for their Wedding Reception……

 

I could not stop in Virginia without stopping at least one of the many Wineries….and I had a designated driver…. .

 

 

 

I think the two of them were out to get me drunk…. it was the two of them sharing one tasting to my one on one. I was having trouble keeping up with them……

 

We then sat outside on the porch and enjoyed the day, the wine, the food, and each others company……

 

 

 

 

And this little Humming Bird……

 

(the little bird was so fast I could not get a clear picture)

[Francois_Dumas]

'Killer' must have Dutch ancestors then....... or even *gasp!* French !?

[Jacqueline]

Charlottesville has a wonderful Downtown Mall filled with restaurants, stores, people, and culture….

 

 

 

 

and we stopped at their favorite (and mine) Pizza Place. They have anything you could want on a pizza, ready and waiting.

 

 

 

On Tuesday, I rode to Lynchburg to Hammersley Motors for my scheduled appointment.

 

I was finally able to get the broken frame bolt replaced . I also had a broken Motolight replaced . The bike needs to have several other parts replaced (like the gear shifter… it’s been bent a couple of times and has just about worn a hole in my boot ) as well as another leaky fork seal; which I will do / have done once I’m able to completely go over the bike…… did I tell you the bike has been great and that I have THROUGHLY enjoyed it? If I recall Rich D. did offer me $500.00 for it when I got back .

 

The people at Hammersley were great.

While at Hammersley I spoke with this rider (on the left) out of Canada.

 

 

He had been stranded in Lynchburg since the Friday before because his clutch went out in his LT. The other riders he was with had to go on without him, as they had time constraints. One thing we talked about was the cost of an LT in Canada verses the cost in the US . If you think you paid a lot for your bike, just price one in Canada and you’ll feel you got it at a real bargain. It seems their gas is not the only thing that is high priced .